The Breitling Top Time. The name itself conjures images of effortless cool, a rebellious spirit, and a design that transcends fleeting trends. This unconventional chronograph, launched in the 1960s, wasn't just a timepiece; it was a statement. It captured the zeitgeist of a generation, appealing equally to sporty men and women drawn to its bold aesthetics and undeniable functionality. Its success is largely attributed to the movement ticking within: the Breitling Caliber 23, a robust and reliable engine that powered this iconic watch through decades of style evolution. This article will explore the Breitling 23 in detail, examining its specifications, price points, and place within Breitling's rich history, particularly focusing on its prominent role in the much-loved Breitling Top Time Deus.
Breitling Caliber 23 Specs: A Mechanical Masterpiece
The Breitling Caliber 23 isn't just a name; it represents a specific era in watchmaking history. While precise specifications can vary slightly depending on the specific model and year of production, the Caliber 23 is generally recognized for its robust construction and reliable performance. This hand-wound movement, a hallmark of traditional watchmaking, showcases Breitling's commitment to mechanical excellence. Key characteristics generally include:
* Hand-wound mechanism: Unlike automatic movements that wind themselves through the wearer's motion, the Caliber 23 relies on manual winding, offering a tactile connection to the watch's mechanics. This requires a regular winding, usually once a day, but it also allows for a more direct interaction with the watch's inner workings.
* Chronograph function: The Caliber 23's chronograph function is a key feature, enabling precise time measurement with its start, stop, and reset capabilities. This is crucial for timing events, whether it's a sporting competition or simply tracking the time spent on a project. The layout and functionality of the chronograph pushers and registers would vary slightly across different Top Time models.
* Frequency: The frequency of the balance wheel, typically around 18,000 vibrations per hour (vph), determines the accuracy of the timekeeping. While lower than many modern high-frequency movements, this rate was perfectly acceptable and reliable for the era and continues to provide accurate timekeeping.
* Jewels: The number of jewels in the movement contributes to its smoothness and longevity. The Caliber 23 typically incorporated a sufficient number of jewels to minimize friction and ensure consistent performance. The precise number varied slightly depending on the specific iteration.
* Power Reserve: The power reserve, the length of time the watch runs on a full wind, is another crucial specification. The Caliber 23 generally offered a respectable power reserve, allowing for several hours of continuous operation after a full wind. This is a factor that has influenced the daily routine of owners, requiring the ritual of regular winding.
Unfortunately, precise and consistently documented specifications for every single iteration of the Caliber 23 are scarce. Breitling's historical records, while extensive, don't always provide the granular detail desired by modern enthusiasts. This makes pinpointing exact jewel counts, escapement types, and other nuanced specifics challenging. However, the general consensus amongst collectors and experts points to a reliably robust and accurate movement well-suited to the demands of the active lifestyle the Top Time was designed for.
Breitling Caliber 23 Price: A Collector's Market
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